Thornbury failed to get going at Chew Valley who were out of sight before Thorns eventually woke up, but an improved second half offered encouragement.

Chew began the game with a level of dynamism and accuracy that Thorns were unable to match and took the lead with an early penalty try. Shortly afterwards they scored a converted try after a series of drives on the Thornbury line for a 14-0 lead.

As the first quarter drew to a close Will Beese set James Wood on a twenty metre charge in their first piece of attacking play but Chew controversially extended their lead when awarded a converted try from a driving lineout although the scorer dropped the ball close to the line. Chew secured the try bonus point on the half hour mark as Thorns made a hash clearing from a defensive scrum. The conversion missed but they added a penalty.

With half-time approaching Thornbury ventured into the Chew ‘22’ for the first time but the home side led 29-0 at the interval.

Thornbury began the second half with the determination and pace their play had lacked in the first. Awarded a penalty Thorns went for a lineout and drove over but were held up and Chew cleared. They took play into in the Thornbury ‘22’ and scored again close to the posts. The conversion put them 36-0 ahead.

Thornbury brought on their replacements and momentum changed. Jack Pickles cleverly kicked behind the Chew defence and Richardson was too fast and dived on the ball for a try. Sam Poustie converted.

Five minutes later Thornbury scored again. Luke Panting burst clear and shrugged off several tacklers as he charged upfield. He handled the ball again before Wood barged over for a try. Poustie converted for 36-14.

Later Poustie, now at 9, took a quick penalty and the ball was moved to the right where Jay Burley put Wood over in the corner. The conversion missed but at 36-19 Thorns were in with a chance of getting something from the game. Another try would secure a bonus point.

However Chew scored again to secure victory at 41-19, then in stoppage time Wood crashed over again for what seemed to be the bonus point try. However the referee was unsighted and blew for the end of the match, denying Thornbury the bonus point.

It had been a frustrating match. Chew Valley were the better side in many ways, had a pack which ruled the roost and deserved their win. Yet Thornbury heads never went down and they looked the better side after the break.

There were fine individual performances from several players with Wood, Moseley and Panting carrying well, and Curtis looking useful in the three-quarters. But generally Thorns were quiet, struggled to secure possession in the first half and retain that which they had.

They showed what they could do after the break and with the bench making an impact the coaches have food for thought ahead of next Saturday’s home game with Crediton.